Design process management for CAD frameworks

Abstract

The authors introduce a new mechanism for planning and managing the VLSI design process. The design process manager significantly enhances the capabilities of CAD frameworks, relieving designers from dealing with low-level details, thereby allowing them to concentrate on the more innovative aspects of design. A model for representing design processes is described. To demonstrate the suitability of the design process model, a prototype design process manager, called Minerva, has been developed. Minerva is described.<>